This was my first time here but I was pleasantly surprised! The staff was friendly and helpful. The lunch was served buffet style and there was variety! Also, everything was served at a mild heat level (spice wise) which was exactly what I needed! I love curry but curry doesn't necessarily love me! Definitely one of the better Indian restaurants I've been to - easy to locate and see off the road. Price is between low and medium but the food is good!
(5)
Lisa C.
Great food. The milk chicken and naam bread was awesome. The milk chicken is called something else which I totally can't say as much as spell lol. The same with the bread. But the food and atmosphere was great.
(5)
Diana L.
This is a great place to have lunch. The food is exquisite! They have vegetarian selections, poultry, and lamb on their buffet. Naan, tandoori chicken, salad, rice pudding, and many more dishes. The service was also great!!
(5)
Jessica B.
This is by far our favorite Indian restaurant in the Orlando area. The building is an old Pizza Hut and the inside isn't the fanciest looking. If you are sitting in a booth and someone is sitting up against you in the next booth, you can feel their every move. (Choose a table instead.) The staff is always nice and able to make recommendations on things to try. Our family has a few favorites: Chicken Tikka Masala and Lamb Curry for the main dishes, always get some Naan (flat bread, delicious, even the plain is tasty), and the Mango pudding for dessert. OK, Mango pudding may sound odd if you haven't had it before and are used to Vanilla or Chocolate. Trust us, get it. It is sooo good. You can always go for their lunch buffet and try out many different dishes including almost all that I already mentioned. We often order dinner for takeout as well and it's always ready within 30 minutes and tastes just as great. For 3 of us we order 2 Chicken Tikka Masala's, 1 Lamb Curry, and 3 orders of plain Naan. If we don't stuff our faces, which has been known to happen because it's all just soooo good it's hard to stop eating, this order can feed the 3 of us for 2 meals. And yes, it all tastes great when reheated the next day. (Just put the Naan in a toaster oven on toast.) We have been eating here for a few years and it's always on point!
(4)
Hopper C.
Lovely buffet! Great deal. The food is delicious. Naan is wonderful; best I've had! Staff is friendly + helpful. There's a reason they've won awards! I definitely plan on coming back. I wish I lived closer. Buffet ends at 2:30 pm + we arrived at 2 pm without a problem. I'm very full + happy right now.
(5)
Tina O.
Pretty good. There was some confusion accepting our Yelp Deal and the owner had to come in unexpectedly, so we were waiting for a while... the food was good so I'm glad we went but the savings wasn't worth the wait.
(4)
Daniel M.
Nice lunch buffet. Their chicken masala was a little dry, but it had good flavor, as did their curry. The channa had a nice flavor, too. Will be back to try them again!
(4)
Immer R.
To add to Annette G's review: This was to date, the best India food I've had since coming down from Chicago. The Tikka Masala was awesome. The Samosas were delicious. Next time we are in Longwood, we will definitely be stopping by Gateway to India.
(4)
Steven T.
I really wanted to love it... I really did. Having just moved to the area, we were in search of some dining establishments we can make our "go to spots." We both definitely have a soft spot for Indian cuisine. Having grown up around one of the biggest Indian populated cities, we've had our fair share of great Indian food. Needless to say, we are still on our search for our Indian food fix around these parts. We sampled both their menu fair and buffet offerings within the last couple weeks. Our first go around was midweek during lunch hours (2ish) and we were the only people in the entire restaurant... I don't know if that was supposed to be a sign or what. First thing we noticed when seated was that the background music was screeching because of a popped speaker. Yet, they kept playing the lovely background music for us to enjoy throughout the entire meal. As far as food goes, I really love Indian food for their strong flavors and use of spices. Gateway to India definitely lacked in the flavor department. Coming up short with weak flavored dishes and uber small portion sizes we still decided to give Gateway to India a second shot with their buffet offering. The buffet was a little bit of a different story (crowd wise) There were definitely a good amount of people when we came for the lunch buffet. Needless to say, the buffet food was a tad more on the bland side. On top of that, the buffet barely had any choices, of course in comparison to what I normally would see. AND, even the naan was served in the buffet and not made to order; double dislike. Who wants cold or barely warm naan? We've only tried one other Indian place, Kohinoor, in Altamonte Springs. Comparing the two, I would go to Kohinoor any day (cant speak for their buffet) Though, we will continue on our quest for good Indian food in Central Florida. If it is any consolation, I overheard the table next to us raving about the buffet food.
(2)
A H.
Great food! I agree with all the Yelp gushing this place has gotten. Just a note: Their lunch buffet hours are impossible to find online, plus they've changed, so here they are for Longwood: Mon-Thurs 11-2 $9.95 Fri-Sun 11-3 $10.95 You should definitely go for lunch. You can sample from about 7 different entrees and salad and mango pudding for dessert for around 10 bucks. It costs more than that to get just one entree for dinner. Plus, they don't wimp out on the buffet food. You know, lots of Indian places make the buffet food so bland you hate to waste the stomach space. But all their buffet stuff was set at about a mild-medium. Just enough heat to make it interesting, not so much that wimps (like me) would get scared away. So, yeah, buffet it up. I'll definitely be back.
(5)
Tyler G.
Gateway to India is a great Indian restaurant, surprisingly located in an old pizza hut inside Longwood. Despite the outward appearance of the restaurant, they've done a wonderful job with the decor on the interior. We were greeted warmly upon entering and seated immediately. Our server was friendly and offered helpful suggestions on selecting a meal. The food came out quickly and it was delicious. We had the chicken tikka massala and the chicken kashmere. Both were prepared wonderfully, and our only complaint was that our stomach's weren't big enough to eat it all. My only negative on this restaurant was that there weren't enough people there! Even if you don't live on this side of town, come check this place out and you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Nicole E.
What have I been doing all this time? Why have I not been coming here every weekend for their frankly awesome lunch buffet? And why have I not been getting their mango pudding? I've tried going for lunch before, but usually by the time we get around to thinking about eating it's too late for the buffet so we go for dinner. But this time, we planned ahead. And I'm still recovering. Salad, seven entrees, rice, naan, and mango pudding. For $10 a person. Why, WHY is this the first time we've done this? I had lentils, saag paneer, vegetables in cashew cream sauce, and chicken tikka masala. All of the dishes were refreshed at least once while we were there, so nothing was dry or cold. I was in heaven because I was able to satisfy my almost-vegetarian tendencies while also getting some chicken, and my husband was in heaven because he was able to get an extra sauce-y plate of curry. And the mango pudding was a light and fruity way to top off our over-indulgence in curry. Seriously, folks. If you like their food, try the buffet - it's got a good variety of the basics. If you're not sure about Indian food, try the buffet - it's a good way to experiment. And if you need someone to go with, I'm game!
(5)
Patricia F.
Just as the names states, a passport to the continent of spices! I have never been disappointed eating here. Whether having the gourmet lunch buffet or enjoying dinner with friends, Gateway to India serves the best fresh, gourmet Indian food in Orlando. For those reviews that complain about the so-called limited number of items at the lunch buffet, it is obvious that they prefer quantity over quality. I would rather have 5 exquisite dishes prepared to perfection than 10 stale mediocrities. Those who dine at Gateway understand good, clean, well prepared food. Vegetarian selections are always available at the lunch buffet, and the masala chai tea is the best I've ever had. The service and decor are lovely, and I've never left without a smile :)
(5)
Paul K.
Mr. Kapoor is a great chef with a great resume. After eating his food multiple times I had to talk to the man. His type of food is primarily northern Indian. He worked in the industry since 18. Notably he worked at the Taj Mahal restaurant in Bombay which he states has become a five-star joint. He's traveled all over the world and cut his teeth gaining experience in the Caribbean,New York, and Canada His passion for the food shows in the quality of the dishes that he serves. It is my understanding that he and his wife work about 80 hours a week each for the restaurant. Such wonderful customer service as well There was an older couple. Shivani was super courteous to them while they were asking question after question, asking for sample after sample. They literally monopolized most of her time for nearly 15 minutes. She never once became impatient. I was about to ask what kind of an event they were going to order for, a wedding, an anniversary? In the end, it turned out that it was just for 2 orders for take-out. Here is a sample, Customer: (after smelling all of the curries), I do not want chicken curry because I do not like the color. I like yellow curry. Shivani: We can make it a different style. It is not on our menu, but we will make it for you. Customer: I do not like that color, I want another color. Shivani: Ok. That's fine, we will make it for you. Customer: "We do not want the rice because I can make it on my own at home". Shivani: Ok, but it comes with your order. Customer: Well then, I will take the rice because it takes time for me to cook the rice. It was 15 minutes of this. Mz. Shivani Kapoor, didn't flinch and was super pleasant. That is why you guys are so awesome. :) That's why you keep winning awards :) Thanks for providing some of the best Indian food in the area. :) I drive from Ormond.
(5)
Eric H.
Yes, Gateway to India is one of my four favorite Indian restaurants in the country. The biryani is the best!
(5)
Santh S.
This place is a continued disappointment for us. The lunch buffet is average, without decent selection of items. The Dal Makhani was terrible and goat biriyani was just ok. It is definitely not worth the $11.95 rate. There are much better places in Orlando area that offer better variety and charge less. I am surprised that these guys still stay in business. It's most likely because of lack of competition within 15 miles radius.
(1)
Natasha N.
Came in alone and ordered Chicken Vindaloo and garlic naan. Portions are SMALL! I ran out of rice and asked for more to finish my curry. Waitress said she was going to have to CHARGE ME for more rice! What the WHAT!? You gave me a half full bowl of rice and now want to charge me for more so I can finish my dinner? Go to hell. I'll make my own damn basmati rice at home. Never NEVER NEVER going back! Do yourself a favor and go to Kohinoor!!!
(1)
Cathy R.
Food was delicious! The menu has some items on there that are different than most Indian restaurants. The Chicken Biryani was the star and the Lamb Madras was very good. The spinach soup was tasty and unique. I would give it 5 stars but the service was super slow despite the fact that there were not many patrons. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Eric P.
Went for their lunch buffet. It wasn't terrible by any means and the service was good. However, the buffet lacks variety. There weren't many options -- it felt more like a catered lunch than a true buffet. There were only a couple main entree type items, a few sides, and one dessert option. For the price, I would expect more. I also thought the seasoning was pretty tame -- it could have been spicier. I think because this is Longwood, they cater to the tastes of the locals who probably don't want it closer to how it traditionally tastes. I suppose that's understandable, but if you're craving serious Indian food, you will have to journey elsewhere. On the positive, service was friendly and helpful, and the place was clean and well-kept.
(3)
Becky F.
The lunch buffet was good and fresh. The service was also excellent. ordered chicken tikka masala to go yum. will go back in local area again.
(4)
J S.
Before I even stepped in, I noticed the two waitresses staring at me and talking. The waitress named Devin (supposedly, I don't know if that's really her real name when I asked her for her name) she immediately apologized and said that the buffet was closed. I asked her well, can't I just order from the menu? & she said no, unfortunately they are closing for a few hours today. So I said Right.... but your Hours On The Door Clearly State that you're open til 10pm tonight. And she said, yes but unfortunately TODAY they are closing for a few hours; she didn't say why. I did not think to ask to speak to the manager. I will next time if it happens again. So if I can give them zero stars I would. This is the second time I got turned away from an establishment in Casselberry (the 1st was Rachel's Steakhouse). I just moved to Florida from NY so I am learning very quickly that I am not welcome in certain places. I was appropriately dressed, wearing makeup and heels. I was clearly not welcome there.
(1)
Ann I.
Came to Gateway to India for their buffet. Decent price and good variety to choose from. I went on a Sunday and they had out Salad, Chicken Tikka Misala, Tandoori Chicken, Lentels, Naan bread and some others I did not try. The Tandoori chicken was great, not dry and very flavorful! You have to try the Mango Lassi, it is to die for, very rich and flavorful. I will for sure come here again, great find!
(4)
Ron J.
Echoing Rhoit's comments of 12/1, meal was okay, service was terrible. I literally waited one hour from sitting down, to eating my first bite of the meal. One cook, a few helpers and 20 patrons in the dining room don't make for a very efficient operation. And instead of being professional and finessing the ultra-long wait, the manager got a little defensive when asked how much longer the meal would be - not good customer relations. Instead, a little TLC, perhaps a free appetizer or extra glass of wine would have gone a long, long way, you know, basic restaurant management 101. I'd avoid, unless you're not really hungry and have plenty of time on your hands.
(2)
Seth H.
Yum! Although both times I've been here the restaurant was almost completely empty, the food is really really great. I would say that so far this is my favorite Indian place in town. From the outside, the building is nondescript and they really need a new sign but food rules and this place is worth going out of your way for.
(4)
Thomas D.
We used to LOVE this place. Our kids went to school around the corner so we'd stop in with some regularity. The buffet was excellent and the items rotated pretty often so you wouldn't get sick of the same old butter chicken or korma. They'd have a nice selection of chutneys and hot pickle out. They'd drop off fresh naan at the table rather than let it die in a warmer on the line. Things have changed for the worse here. About 6 weeks ago I stopped in to grab some carryout for my wife for lunch. They used to let you fill up a box from the buffet for the 11.95 buffet price. Not bad. Now you have to order off the menu and wait. And wait.... So I get my to go and realize there's no naan. Now that's extra too! So a single lunch sized carry out and bread almost hit $18 and I didn't buy a drink. I can sit down at The Ravenous Pig or Seasons 52 for lunch and pay less! Fast forward about a month and we stop in for the lunch buffet on a Saturday. Simply put they're not what they used to be. The curry's were just ok. They were never quite the level of Memories of India but they were always waayyy less hurt on the pocket book. This was an easy 4 in the past but not now. The naan they brought out wasn't fresh from the oven like it used to be. You have to ask for the chutneys and pickle and I'm pretty sure the chutneys were frozen pre-made and the caddy looked like it hadn't been cleaned in a while. I used to lament the two Indian buffets on Lake Mary Blvd, which are way closer to home, didn't hold a candle to this place. Now they're all on the same level which is a shame. I have family from Indian and I've been eating this food for 35 years. They need a reboot because they've slipped quite a bit.
(2)
Jeff O.
Took a date there once and the food was really good.
(5)
Julien G.
This place is amazing. I live like 5 minutes away and I never noticed it even existed until my brother suggested it to me. They have a daily lunch buffet that I highly recommend. Absolutely amazing Indian food.
(5)
Darcy A.
pretty tastey! I would go again!
(4)
Rohit K.
Guys don't even think of going to this place , we came at 7:30 pm and at 8:00 pm, we got a samosa and water with some papad. There is only one cook , so they were not able to handle 4 groups of people. Super slow service and if you have spare time like 4 - 5 hours , then only go. Lastly , they the cook is rude to us. I am never ever ever ever ... ever ever going to this place. Bad bad !
(1)
Lani G.
I went for the lunch buffet last week, as I was told it was the best in town. I would have to disagree. There wasn't much selection and what was there wasn't all that great. It wasn't terrible, but Kohinoor and Ali Baba are definitely better, and within 10 minutes of Gateway to India. I was underwhelmed and will not return.
(2)
Laura C.
The food was really good except for the mango pudding. The buffet is rather small and limited in selection, yet every entre available was very tasty. There weren't any sauces, raita, tamarind, mint sauce or the traditional sweet fried dough balls for desert...only mango pudding. Lunch cost was 9.95.
(4)
Fred H.
Have not ever had a bad meal here. Eat in or take out food is always good. Tikka masala is great! Service is good and friendly.
(4)
Dmachop C.
Not a satisfying buffet on a weekday. Could not say what it would be like on a weekend. Most Indian restaurants do offer better range during weekends. The food was not pricey. Ambience is typical. Okay food. The only one that caught my attention of three taste buds is vegetable korma which had the essence of cashew in it. Pretty unique indeed. Okay Indian buffet, give it a try.
(3)
Susan L.
The best Indian restaurant! We used to go at least once every 2 weeks but we moved to the complete opposite side of Orlando so we try to go as often as possible because the food is the best you will find. The service is always great as well. The lunch buffet is great with selection of both vegetarian and meat dishes along with tasty dessert!
(5)
Sreeni K.
Ok, I have to preface by saying that we are of Indian origin and very recent transplants from NJ. So, our expectations for indian good are possibly a bit too high. But that said, we were still disappointed with the lunch buffet here on a weekend day. The selection was too meager. No appetizers, no soup, no chutneys, no raita, no pickles, etc. There was some onion chutney but it was empty when we came in. For vegetarians, the selection was just 3 courses and some colored rice and naan. There were also two meat dishes if you were not a vegetarian. The daal makkani was ok and not bad. But the palak dish was a bit soggy and too salty, and the navratan korma was sweet and greasy. The naan was soft and fresh though, but the naan tray was empty most of the time even though the restaurant was just 25% occupied. They had some kheer pudding and a mango paste for dessert. The kheer was decent, but the mango was stale and tasteless. I am sorry to give a bad review, I am happy to have some indian restaurants close to where I live, but we are not likely to revisit this place for lunch. Perhaps the dinner menu is better??
(2)
Teresa M.
This is our favorite place in the area to get Indian food. I always get the chicken curry and the naan, sometimes Mulligatawny soup. It has never been less than amazing.
(5)
Jake P.
I love Indian food, and I love this place. Their lunch buffet is AWESOME!
(4)
Amanda H.
Always a delight! We drive across town just for the delicious choices! The atmosphere is pleasant and friendly and the staff is always enjoyable. Never a disappointment!
(4)
Luke S.
Best Indian lunch "buffet" I've found in Orlando. And I'm not into buffets (which is why I had to add the quotes).
(4)
Prerit P.
The food was good and service was excellent. The buffet was very limited for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians though. Definitely worth trying out.
(4)
Rob S.
I love Indian food. I love buffets. So this place is pretty much perfect. The chicken masala here is to die for. The korma is always tasty. The Tandori chicken is the best I've ever had. I have not been here for dinner; only for the lunch buffet. I do wish they would mix up the variety int the buffet, but for the price you really can't beat if for a very filling and delicious lunch.
(4)
Crystal H.
I went for the first time today for the lunch buffet. I was not disappointed. I am not a connoisseur of Indian food by any means, but I am a bit picky. The lentils were amazing, as was the chicken tikka masala. The paneer was okay, as were the chickpeas. The tandoori chicken was pretty good, too, as was the naan. We got there 30 minutes before the buffet ended and everything was still hot and plentiful. I'm not a huge fan of regular iceberg lettuce salad, which they serve with ranch dressing... I guess you can't win em all. The mango pudding was a good ending to a carb heavy meal. The service was friendly. I have been a long time fan of Woodlands on S OBT and go for the vegetarian lunch buffet whenever I get the hankering for Indian food. Not knowing my way around Indian food *that* well, it is certainly nice to have different options. I do prefer the vegetarian buffet because I try to limit my meat intake, but Gateway to India is closer to my neck of the woods and I will definitely be back to sample more of their menu and to take advantage of the buffet. One note about the restaurant is that the GPS on my phone told me to go to 790 West 434 and I guess it is actually located at 790 E 434. I was lost for a bit before calling them and getting that cleared up. It's not that much farther down than the W 790 address [oh, Longwood....]
(4)
Yvonne C.
Great food! Went with my parents and they both liked it too. We had samosas, which were delicious but a bit on the greasy side (still delicious though). I ordered the veggie korma, probably my new favorite indian dish. I normally order the malai kofta but decided to try something new and so happy I did. We ordered cheese naan, yummmm! Definitely will go back and try the buffet soon. Server was extremely friendly but we had to ask for drink refills on 2 occasions. Aside from that, great experience and will be back.
(4)
Chris R.
this place has lunch buffet on Friday, Saturday Sunday. It was decent, the chicken tikka masala was the best thing on the buffett but it was missing something. I like my flavors strong and sweet, so they didn't quite satisfy. It's clean and nice and the staff is friendly. $10. When driving west it's tricky to get in the parking lot, so just go down and make a U-turn to get into it. If you pull into the bank there is a tiny dirt section between then lots that only smaller cars can fit through and you aren't really supposed to use it.
(3)
B B.
We love Indian food and Gateway to India never disappoints us! Just thinking about it makes me hungry. I love the Tikka Masala and my husband loves Lamb Vindaloo and papadams. I always get the onion kulcha...with corriander chutney....writing this makes my mouth water! Great buffet too! Try it you will love it!
(5)
Dave W.
We popped in on a whim with friends, at 9pm on a Saturday. There was literally nobody there, except us, a cook, and a waitress. We bravely said, "We're here... Let's just go for it". Within an hour, four other Indian families joined us in the restaurant. Perhaps we just hit the slow spot between the early and late dinner hour. I was pleased to find Biryani on the menu. I ordered it vegetarian, hoping to duplicate this delicious dish that I enjoyed many times in Hyderabad, India. Let me tell you, it was exactly authentic, bringing my taste buds back to the exact experience when I first tried this flavorful, savory, spicy rice dish. Gateway to India makes it perfectly. We also had chili naan which was out of this world with salt, spice, and chili bombs all on fresh naan. My tongue was numb for 5 minutes and my body temperature went up five degrees with this side dish. Wow! Impressive! I you want truly authentic Indian food, do not hesitate. Order it regular and it will be just as it is 10,000 miles away. Order it hot and you can take the experience to a whole new level!
(4)
John G.
I've come here for the lunch buffet a few times. It's excellent. Wish it was a little spicier. (I'm looking at you chicken tikka masala!) They must leave it mild for the masses. I asked for something to make it spicer one time and brought me some fiery jalapenos but they were raw and it gave me the heat but not the spicy curry flavor of Indian cuisine I so desire. I'm sure if I ordered a dish and not the buffet they would make it how I liked. The food is very, very good. Fresh, quality ingredients used. Limited buffet items and all done very well. Much preferred to 20+ mediocre items. Staff is friendly and accommodating.
(4)
Mohan K.
I ordered goat biriyani.. I must say it was not authentic and tasted like some masala rice. However service was excellent.
(2)
Tdc C.
Last Sunday of the month they have a dinner buffet. There were lots of options on the buffet. The owners are present and make you feel welcome. Service was great. Lots of vegetarian selections.
(5)
Patrick G.
Great food!
(4)
Bernard S.
Went during the lunch buffet. Small ass selection of food. Waiter had a fake ass accent. Food was good though and it was fresh. Will go back again.
(3)
Trina H.
Wow. I've been searching Orlando for a place to get great Indian food, and I'm happy to report - I've found it! We arrived for dinner last night and found Gateway to India to be charming, clean, and NOT in a seedy strip mall. The samosas were flavorful - the best I've had - and the chutneys were freshly prepared. I had the chicken tikka masala and black lentil dish, both were excellently spiced with balanced flavors. The garlic naan wasn't the best I've had, but next time, I'll try a different flavor. Oh, and the mango lassi? Yummy, thick and tasty delicious! Two thumbs way up. PS - They have coupons on their website, and a tasty buffet we'll definitely try on our next visit. Enjoy!
(5)
No Longer Yelping B.
I have to say I love this place. The staff is always friendly, the food is consistently good and the restaurant is always clean. I go on the weekends when between 11:30am and 3:00pm they have a lunch buffet for about $10. They always have the usual suspects- chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, a mighty fine curried goat, dal, veggie korma, naan bread and so on. They often rotate dishes during your meal too, so you get to try a bunch of different things and end it all with either a yummy cardamom rice pudding with raisins or a mango pudding. Try the mago lassi for sure, it's DElicious! It's definitely one of my favorite hangover buffets and it cures what ails ya. Bring your friends too, they'll accommodate any size party.
(4)
Kathy D.
This is a great indian restaurant. A little slow at lunch when we went, but the food is amazing! They offer buffets on friday and weekends.
(4)
Nikita B.
I don't live anywhere near this place, but it is worth the drive for me. I was a little worried on my first visit since we were the only souls in there, but in the end, that just made it feel even more quaint. The staff has always made me feel like Im dining in their home and the food is awesome, in fact, I will go so far as to say its probably my favorite Indian in Orlando. Wish I had something more cohesive to say about the food, but i always just order something random here without really reading what it is so that I try new things without ingredient bias. I've only been for dinner, but reading the other reviews makes me want to make a point to be in Longwood for lunch time
(4)
Robert U.
They have an incredible lunch buffet on the weekend. (I have never eaten there during the week since I work on the other side of town). Nice location- not squeezed into a strip or anything. A good sampling of 10 different types of food, plus some salad, and some dessert. I always like their fresh ingredients, and polite service and at 10 bucks well worth it. Their Naan bread is awesome- make sure you ask for the chutney!!
(5)
Meg P.
They do not honor Yelp Deal coupons!!! Terrible customer service. I bought a Yelp Deal after reading all the reviews for this place. So I went there for their lunch buffet. When it came time to pay .. they said .. the deal was not valid for lunch buffets. NOWHERE on the certficate or the rules/restrictions does it say its not valid for lunch buffets. When we tried to plead our case, they simply said it's not their problem. So I ended up paying the full amount for my check & i'm also out the amount of the coupon. This wouldn't be an issue if the food was decent. I'm an indian and have been to dozens of Indian restaurants in the Orlando area. Their food lacked flavor. For the chana masala ... I could taste the canned tomato sauce & the tandoori chicken was very dry .. not what I would expect from a restaurant. The samosas we got were good, but everything else was less than medicore. Will not be going back!
(1)
Elizabeth L.
I looooove this place!! We drive quite a ways to get here & the weekend lunch buffet is sooo worth it everytime! Their Naan bread and Chutney are amazing.
(5)
Brad F.
Not as good as I've had there before.
(3)
Mike T.
Wish I could eat here everyday.. sometimes I do. Great people, phenomenal food, good prices. Their chicken tikka masala is the best I've had anywhere.
(5)
Joe D.
I call this Place Indian Food Friday's, 'cause my office loves to go there for the buffet on Friday. The star performer is the Chicken Tikka Masala by a landslide. Great, friendly service. $10 for the buffet.
(4)
Annette G.
Driving all the way out to Longwood for dinner isn't something I look forward to, unless I know I'm going for Indian food. Last night I tried Gateway to India on a suggestion and it knocked my socks off. The flavors were bold, the spices were hot, and the service was really good. I had the vegetable mahkani, and sampled the mutter paneer and channa masala. All were delicious, but I liked mine best. They do serve meat dishes as well. My friend ordered the chicken vindaloo Indian Hot, and while it was spicy, the waiter admitted to saying he told the kitchen to make it regular hot. They get people in that say they want it Indian Hot and then don't eat it or send it back. So, if you really want it hot, you have to really press it. That, or go a few times, and they'll get to know you and serve it 'super, extra, spicy, hot... 10 times hotter than your dish'. OH! And for the people that like things freakishly hot (Suzanne, I'm talking to you!) order the "bullet Naan". It is naan with chili's baked in, and served on top with garlic and sesame seeds. HOLY CRAP. That was good. For dessert I had the rasmulah, a milky custard like dish, that had a lime taste. It was delish. For the lucky people out in Longwood for lunch, they offer a lunch buffet, as most Indian places do. I doubt I'll be able to make it out there for it, but I'll definitely be returning for dinner.
(4)
Max V.
I really want to like this place, especially after reading the other reviews. Living in Maitland, the options for good Indian food nearby are very limited. I've only eaten here once, for dinner. The hostess was very warm and inviting, and the restaurant has a cozy, low key kind of a feel. I'd say the menu is on the pricey side for the kind of place this is. On to the food. The vegetable samosas were so dry, I couldn't finish one. The vegetable filling was semi desiccated, leading me to believe that these were: a. frozen, and b. way too old to serve. Definitely a miss. The Chicken Tikka Masala was fine, but definitely lacking in the spice department. We ordered our meal 'medium' and it was very mild/bland. I'm not saying I wouldn't try Gateway again, but not for dinner.
(2)
Patti W.
This is definitely my favorite Indian restaurant. The food is always prepared perfectly. They even adjust the spice in each dish for our liking. I like mine very mild and my husband likes his very spicy. They are able to accommodate both of us perfectly (which is quite rare)! If great food isn't enough, the service is just as excellent! This is one of our favorite date night spots. Great food, beer, service and some Bollywood videos for entertainment!!!
(5)
Mike K.
Very good
(4)
Laura S.
Maybe they've gotten better? I went there with my husband a few months ago, and whoa, this was terrible Indian. Worst I've ever had, including those frozen Indian meals. The customer service was awful, first of all. The server spilled a HUGE bottle of beer all over me. Literally. And we were visiting from out of the area at the time, so I had to spend the whole day smelling like beer. The owner came over with a smile, and offered to let me use the hair dryer in her office. ??? No apologies, no discounts (if this was a chain place, our entire meal would have been comped - yet we didn't get so much as our appetizer for free), nothing. I understand, accidents happen, but at least make it right. My veggie korma was disgusting. My husband described the taste perfectly - basically mushy canned vegetables soaking in coffee creamer. I could barely choke down a few bites. The samosas were good. The naan was alright, definitely had better. I'm pretty sure our server left halfway through our meal, because we ended up having to flag down the owner for our check, and I never got a refill on my drink. There is so much good Indian in Orlando, don't even bother trying this place.
(1)
Lauren J.
Absolutely, the best Indian food I've had in the Orlando area. I was first taken here several years ago by an Indian friend and I've been going back ever since. The all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is great value for money, with none of that tired, reheated feeling so many lunch buffets have. Agree 100% with many other reviewers that their chicken tikka masala is the best anywhere (and that comparison includes many authentic Indian restaurants in the UK, which is as close as I've gotten to India). The only reason I knocked off a star is that the service is occasionally slow and I'm not that fond of the mango pudding that usually shows up as dessert on the buffet. Their rice pudding, however, is excellent. And if you're prepared to wait a bit longer for your hot drink, so is the chai masala (spiced tea with milk). PS- the lunch buffet selection is good but limited, and also geared to us gringos in terms of heat. So if you want a greater choice of dishes, or just something spicier, order off the regular menu (it's pricier but you can often get coupon deals from their web site), and TELL THEM if you want it really hot.
India is the birth place of Chicken Tikka Masala and Curries. Indian foods are prepared with a blend of finely mixed spices quite popular across the region. The spices develop the rich taste in Indian food enough to boggle your mind. The ever-increasing fan base of Indian food around the New York city is steadily increasing because of the large number of Indians who traveled to the land of dreams. The Indians also brought their very own vibrant, colorful, and aromatic authentic dishes for the people in the West. While most of the Indian population is Vegetarian, Indian food is great for people who are looking for vegan or vegetarian food option. If you are a Meat lover, don't get disappointed yet. Indian food also boasts of some popular non-vegetarian dishes too. Few examples are the famous Butter Chicken, Mutton Biryani and Tandoori Chicken are enough to satisfy your taste buds.
Indian food has gained reputation all over the world especially in the United States. You can find many places serving the appetizing Indian food across all major cities in the US. India is a diverse country with different food culture originated from different parts of the country. While the Northern region boasts tandoori dishes and korma offering royal taste, the Western Ghats offers sea foods that is made in naturally sweet tender coconut milk. The South Indian food servers a quality of different dishes made from rice accompanied with spicy chutneys, curries and famous sambhar. Also, the Indian sweets are a delight to relish. If you ever want to have a burst of sugar syrup in mouth, don't forget to try few Bengali Sweets. Be it spicy, tangy, or sweet flavor, you can find everything in the Indian cuisine. Be assured that the melody of spices will surely bring delight to you.
Jaime H.
This was my first time here but I was pleasantly surprised! The staff was friendly and helpful. The lunch was served buffet style and there was variety! Also, everything was served at a mild heat level (spice wise) which was exactly what I needed! I love curry but curry doesn't necessarily love me! Definitely one of the better Indian restaurants I've been to - easy to locate and see off the road. Price is between low and medium but the food is good!
(5)Lisa C.
Great food. The milk chicken and naam bread was awesome. The milk chicken is called something else which I totally can't say as much as spell lol. The same with the bread. But the food and atmosphere was great.
(5)Diana L.
This is a great place to have lunch. The food is exquisite! They have vegetarian selections, poultry, and lamb on their buffet. Naan, tandoori chicken, salad, rice pudding, and many more dishes. The service was also great!!
(5)Jessica B.
This is by far our favorite Indian restaurant in the Orlando area. The building is an old Pizza Hut and the inside isn't the fanciest looking. If you are sitting in a booth and someone is sitting up against you in the next booth, you can feel their every move. (Choose a table instead.) The staff is always nice and able to make recommendations on things to try. Our family has a few favorites: Chicken Tikka Masala and Lamb Curry for the main dishes, always get some Naan (flat bread, delicious, even the plain is tasty), and the Mango pudding for dessert. OK, Mango pudding may sound odd if you haven't had it before and are used to Vanilla or Chocolate. Trust us, get it. It is sooo good. You can always go for their lunch buffet and try out many different dishes including almost all that I already mentioned. We often order dinner for takeout as well and it's always ready within 30 minutes and tastes just as great. For 3 of us we order 2 Chicken Tikka Masala's, 1 Lamb Curry, and 3 orders of plain Naan. If we don't stuff our faces, which has been known to happen because it's all just soooo good it's hard to stop eating, this order can feed the 3 of us for 2 meals. And yes, it all tastes great when reheated the next day. (Just put the Naan in a toaster oven on toast.) We have been eating here for a few years and it's always on point!
(4)Hopper C.
Lovely buffet! Great deal. The food is delicious. Naan is wonderful; best I've had! Staff is friendly + helpful. There's a reason they've won awards! I definitely plan on coming back. I wish I lived closer. Buffet ends at 2:30 pm + we arrived at 2 pm without a problem. I'm very full + happy right now.
(5)Tina O.
Pretty good. There was some confusion accepting our Yelp Deal and the owner had to come in unexpectedly, so we were waiting for a while... the food was good so I'm glad we went but the savings wasn't worth the wait.
(4)Daniel M.
Nice lunch buffet. Their chicken masala was a little dry, but it had good flavor, as did their curry. The channa had a nice flavor, too. Will be back to try them again!
(4)Immer R.
To add to Annette G's review: This was to date, the best India food I've had since coming down from Chicago. The Tikka Masala was awesome. The Samosas were delicious. Next time we are in Longwood, we will definitely be stopping by Gateway to India.
(4)Steven T.
I really wanted to love it... I really did. Having just moved to the area, we were in search of some dining establishments we can make our "go to spots." We both definitely have a soft spot for Indian cuisine. Having grown up around one of the biggest Indian populated cities, we've had our fair share of great Indian food. Needless to say, we are still on our search for our Indian food fix around these parts. We sampled both their menu fair and buffet offerings within the last couple weeks. Our first go around was midweek during lunch hours (2ish) and we were the only people in the entire restaurant... I don't know if that was supposed to be a sign or what. First thing we noticed when seated was that the background music was screeching because of a popped speaker. Yet, they kept playing the lovely background music for us to enjoy throughout the entire meal. As far as food goes, I really love Indian food for their strong flavors and use of spices. Gateway to India definitely lacked in the flavor department. Coming up short with weak flavored dishes and uber small portion sizes we still decided to give Gateway to India a second shot with their buffet offering. The buffet was a little bit of a different story (crowd wise) There were definitely a good amount of people when we came for the lunch buffet. Needless to say, the buffet food was a tad more on the bland side. On top of that, the buffet barely had any choices, of course in comparison to what I normally would see. AND, even the naan was served in the buffet and not made to order; double dislike. Who wants cold or barely warm naan? We've only tried one other Indian place, Kohinoor, in Altamonte Springs. Comparing the two, I would go to Kohinoor any day (cant speak for their buffet) Though, we will continue on our quest for good Indian food in Central Florida. If it is any consolation, I overheard the table next to us raving about the buffet food.
(2)A H.
Great food! I agree with all the Yelp gushing this place has gotten. Just a note: Their lunch buffet hours are impossible to find online, plus they've changed, so here they are for Longwood: Mon-Thurs 11-2 $9.95 Fri-Sun 11-3 $10.95 You should definitely go for lunch. You can sample from about 7 different entrees and salad and mango pudding for dessert for around 10 bucks. It costs more than that to get just one entree for dinner. Plus, they don't wimp out on the buffet food. You know, lots of Indian places make the buffet food so bland you hate to waste the stomach space. But all their buffet stuff was set at about a mild-medium. Just enough heat to make it interesting, not so much that wimps (like me) would get scared away. So, yeah, buffet it up. I'll definitely be back.
(5)Tyler G.
Gateway to India is a great Indian restaurant, surprisingly located in an old pizza hut inside Longwood. Despite the outward appearance of the restaurant, they've done a wonderful job with the decor on the interior. We were greeted warmly upon entering and seated immediately. Our server was friendly and offered helpful suggestions on selecting a meal. The food came out quickly and it was delicious. We had the chicken tikka massala and the chicken kashmere. Both were prepared wonderfully, and our only complaint was that our stomach's weren't big enough to eat it all. My only negative on this restaurant was that there weren't enough people there! Even if you don't live on this side of town, come check this place out and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Nicole E.
What have I been doing all this time? Why have I not been coming here every weekend for their frankly awesome lunch buffet? And why have I not been getting their mango pudding? I've tried going for lunch before, but usually by the time we get around to thinking about eating it's too late for the buffet so we go for dinner. But this time, we planned ahead. And I'm still recovering. Salad, seven entrees, rice, naan, and mango pudding. For $10 a person. Why, WHY is this the first time we've done this? I had lentils, saag paneer, vegetables in cashew cream sauce, and chicken tikka masala. All of the dishes were refreshed at least once while we were there, so nothing was dry or cold. I was in heaven because I was able to satisfy my almost-vegetarian tendencies while also getting some chicken, and my husband was in heaven because he was able to get an extra sauce-y plate of curry. And the mango pudding was a light and fruity way to top off our over-indulgence in curry. Seriously, folks. If you like their food, try the buffet - it's got a good variety of the basics. If you're not sure about Indian food, try the buffet - it's a good way to experiment. And if you need someone to go with, I'm game!
(5)Patricia F.
Just as the names states, a passport to the continent of spices! I have never been disappointed eating here. Whether having the gourmet lunch buffet or enjoying dinner with friends, Gateway to India serves the best fresh, gourmet Indian food in Orlando. For those reviews that complain about the so-called limited number of items at the lunch buffet, it is obvious that they prefer quantity over quality. I would rather have 5 exquisite dishes prepared to perfection than 10 stale mediocrities. Those who dine at Gateway understand good, clean, well prepared food. Vegetarian selections are always available at the lunch buffet, and the masala chai tea is the best I've ever had. The service and decor are lovely, and I've never left without a smile :)
(5)Paul K.
Mr. Kapoor is a great chef with a great resume. After eating his food multiple times I had to talk to the man. His type of food is primarily northern Indian. He worked in the industry since 18. Notably he worked at the Taj Mahal restaurant in Bombay which he states has become a five-star joint. He's traveled all over the world and cut his teeth gaining experience in the Caribbean,New York, and Canada His passion for the food shows in the quality of the dishes that he serves. It is my understanding that he and his wife work about 80 hours a week each for the restaurant. Such wonderful customer service as well There was an older couple. Shivani was super courteous to them while they were asking question after question, asking for sample after sample. They literally monopolized most of her time for nearly 15 minutes. She never once became impatient. I was about to ask what kind of an event they were going to order for, a wedding, an anniversary? In the end, it turned out that it was just for 2 orders for take-out. Here is a sample, Customer: (after smelling all of the curries), I do not want chicken curry because I do not like the color. I like yellow curry. Shivani: We can make it a different style. It is not on our menu, but we will make it for you. Customer: I do not like that color, I want another color. Shivani: Ok. That's fine, we will make it for you. Customer: "We do not want the rice because I can make it on my own at home". Shivani: Ok, but it comes with your order. Customer: Well then, I will take the rice because it takes time for me to cook the rice. It was 15 minutes of this. Mz. Shivani Kapoor, didn't flinch and was super pleasant. That is why you guys are so awesome. :) That's why you keep winning awards :) Thanks for providing some of the best Indian food in the area. :) I drive from Ormond.
(5)Eric H.
Yes, Gateway to India is one of my four favorite Indian restaurants in the country. The biryani is the best!
(5)Santh S.
This place is a continued disappointment for us. The lunch buffet is average, without decent selection of items. The Dal Makhani was terrible and goat biriyani was just ok. It is definitely not worth the $11.95 rate. There are much better places in Orlando area that offer better variety and charge less. I am surprised that these guys still stay in business. It's most likely because of lack of competition within 15 miles radius.
(1)Natasha N.
Came in alone and ordered Chicken Vindaloo and garlic naan. Portions are SMALL! I ran out of rice and asked for more to finish my curry. Waitress said she was going to have to CHARGE ME for more rice! What the WHAT!? You gave me a half full bowl of rice and now want to charge me for more so I can finish my dinner? Go to hell. I'll make my own damn basmati rice at home. Never NEVER NEVER going back! Do yourself a favor and go to Kohinoor!!!
(1)Cathy R.
Food was delicious! The menu has some items on there that are different than most Indian restaurants. The Chicken Biryani was the star and the Lamb Madras was very good. The spinach soup was tasty and unique. I would give it 5 stars but the service was super slow despite the fact that there were not many patrons. We will definitely be back!
(4)Eric P.
Went for their lunch buffet. It wasn't terrible by any means and the service was good. However, the buffet lacks variety. There weren't many options -- it felt more like a catered lunch than a true buffet. There were only a couple main entree type items, a few sides, and one dessert option. For the price, I would expect more. I also thought the seasoning was pretty tame -- it could have been spicier. I think because this is Longwood, they cater to the tastes of the locals who probably don't want it closer to how it traditionally tastes. I suppose that's understandable, but if you're craving serious Indian food, you will have to journey elsewhere. On the positive, service was friendly and helpful, and the place was clean and well-kept.
(3)Becky F.
The lunch buffet was good and fresh. The service was also excellent. ordered chicken tikka masala to go yum. will go back in local area again.
(4)J S.
Before I even stepped in, I noticed the two waitresses staring at me and talking. The waitress named Devin (supposedly, I don't know if that's really her real name when I asked her for her name) she immediately apologized and said that the buffet was closed. I asked her well, can't I just order from the menu? & she said no, unfortunately they are closing for a few hours today. So I said Right.... but your Hours On The Door Clearly State that you're open til 10pm tonight. And she said, yes but unfortunately TODAY they are closing for a few hours; she didn't say why. I did not think to ask to speak to the manager. I will next time if it happens again. So if I can give them zero stars I would. This is the second time I got turned away from an establishment in Casselberry (the 1st was Rachel's Steakhouse). I just moved to Florida from NY so I am learning very quickly that I am not welcome in certain places. I was appropriately dressed, wearing makeup and heels. I was clearly not welcome there.
(1)Ann I.
Came to Gateway to India for their buffet. Decent price and good variety to choose from. I went on a Sunday and they had out Salad, Chicken Tikka Misala, Tandoori Chicken, Lentels, Naan bread and some others I did not try. The Tandoori chicken was great, not dry and very flavorful! You have to try the Mango Lassi, it is to die for, very rich and flavorful. I will for sure come here again, great find!
(4)Ron J.
Echoing Rhoit's comments of 12/1, meal was okay, service was terrible. I literally waited one hour from sitting down, to eating my first bite of the meal. One cook, a few helpers and 20 patrons in the dining room don't make for a very efficient operation. And instead of being professional and finessing the ultra-long wait, the manager got a little defensive when asked how much longer the meal would be - not good customer relations. Instead, a little TLC, perhaps a free appetizer or extra glass of wine would have gone a long, long way, you know, basic restaurant management 101. I'd avoid, unless you're not really hungry and have plenty of time on your hands.
(2)Seth H.
Yum! Although both times I've been here the restaurant was almost completely empty, the food is really really great. I would say that so far this is my favorite Indian place in town. From the outside, the building is nondescript and they really need a new sign but food rules and this place is worth going out of your way for.
(4)Thomas D.
We used to LOVE this place. Our kids went to school around the corner so we'd stop in with some regularity. The buffet was excellent and the items rotated pretty often so you wouldn't get sick of the same old butter chicken or korma. They'd have a nice selection of chutneys and hot pickle out. They'd drop off fresh naan at the table rather than let it die in a warmer on the line. Things have changed for the worse here. About 6 weeks ago I stopped in to grab some carryout for my wife for lunch. They used to let you fill up a box from the buffet for the 11.95 buffet price. Not bad. Now you have to order off the menu and wait. And wait.... So I get my to go and realize there's no naan. Now that's extra too! So a single lunch sized carry out and bread almost hit $18 and I didn't buy a drink. I can sit down at The Ravenous Pig or Seasons 52 for lunch and pay less! Fast forward about a month and we stop in for the lunch buffet on a Saturday. Simply put they're not what they used to be. The curry's were just ok. They were never quite the level of Memories of India but they were always waayyy less hurt on the pocket book. This was an easy 4 in the past but not now. The naan they brought out wasn't fresh from the oven like it used to be. You have to ask for the chutneys and pickle and I'm pretty sure the chutneys were frozen pre-made and the caddy looked like it hadn't been cleaned in a while. I used to lament the two Indian buffets on Lake Mary Blvd, which are way closer to home, didn't hold a candle to this place. Now they're all on the same level which is a shame. I have family from Indian and I've been eating this food for 35 years. They need a reboot because they've slipped quite a bit.
(2)Jeff O.
Took a date there once and the food was really good.
(5)Julien G.
This place is amazing. I live like 5 minutes away and I never noticed it even existed until my brother suggested it to me. They have a daily lunch buffet that I highly recommend. Absolutely amazing Indian food.
(5)Darcy A.
pretty tastey! I would go again!
(4)Rohit K.
Guys don't even think of going to this place , we came at 7:30 pm and at 8:00 pm, we got a samosa and water with some papad. There is only one cook , so they were not able to handle 4 groups of people. Super slow service and if you have spare time like 4 - 5 hours , then only go. Lastly , they the cook is rude to us. I am never ever ever ever ... ever ever going to this place. Bad bad !
(1)Lani G.
I went for the lunch buffet last week, as I was told it was the best in town. I would have to disagree. There wasn't much selection and what was there wasn't all that great. It wasn't terrible, but Kohinoor and Ali Baba are definitely better, and within 10 minutes of Gateway to India. I was underwhelmed and will not return.
(2)Laura C.
The food was really good except for the mango pudding. The buffet is rather small and limited in selection, yet every entre available was very tasty. There weren't any sauces, raita, tamarind, mint sauce or the traditional sweet fried dough balls for desert...only mango pudding. Lunch cost was 9.95.
(4)Fred H.
Have not ever had a bad meal here. Eat in or take out food is always good. Tikka masala is great! Service is good and friendly.
(4)Dmachop C.
Not a satisfying buffet on a weekday. Could not say what it would be like on a weekend. Most Indian restaurants do offer better range during weekends. The food was not pricey. Ambience is typical. Okay food. The only one that caught my attention of three taste buds is vegetable korma which had the essence of cashew in it. Pretty unique indeed. Okay Indian buffet, give it a try.
(3)Susan L.
The best Indian restaurant! We used to go at least once every 2 weeks but we moved to the complete opposite side of Orlando so we try to go as often as possible because the food is the best you will find. The service is always great as well. The lunch buffet is great with selection of both vegetarian and meat dishes along with tasty dessert!
(5)Sreeni K.
Ok, I have to preface by saying that we are of Indian origin and very recent transplants from NJ. So, our expectations for indian good are possibly a bit too high. But that said, we were still disappointed with the lunch buffet here on a weekend day. The selection was too meager. No appetizers, no soup, no chutneys, no raita, no pickles, etc. There was some onion chutney but it was empty when we came in. For vegetarians, the selection was just 3 courses and some colored rice and naan. There were also two meat dishes if you were not a vegetarian. The daal makkani was ok and not bad. But the palak dish was a bit soggy and too salty, and the navratan korma was sweet and greasy. The naan was soft and fresh though, but the naan tray was empty most of the time even though the restaurant was just 25% occupied. They had some kheer pudding and a mango paste for dessert. The kheer was decent, but the mango was stale and tasteless. I am sorry to give a bad review, I am happy to have some indian restaurants close to where I live, but we are not likely to revisit this place for lunch. Perhaps the dinner menu is better??
(2)Teresa M.
This is our favorite place in the area to get Indian food. I always get the chicken curry and the naan, sometimes Mulligatawny soup. It has never been less than amazing.
(5)Jake P.
I love Indian food, and I love this place. Their lunch buffet is AWESOME!
(4)Amanda H.
Always a delight! We drive across town just for the delicious choices! The atmosphere is pleasant and friendly and the staff is always enjoyable. Never a disappointment!
(4)Luke S.
Best Indian lunch "buffet" I've found in Orlando. And I'm not into buffets (which is why I had to add the quotes).
(4)Prerit P.
The food was good and service was excellent. The buffet was very limited for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians though. Definitely worth trying out.
(4)Rob S.
I love Indian food. I love buffets. So this place is pretty much perfect. The chicken masala here is to die for. The korma is always tasty. The Tandori chicken is the best I've ever had. I have not been here for dinner; only for the lunch buffet. I do wish they would mix up the variety int the buffet, but for the price you really can't beat if for a very filling and delicious lunch.
(4)Crystal H.
I went for the first time today for the lunch buffet. I was not disappointed. I am not a connoisseur of Indian food by any means, but I am a bit picky. The lentils were amazing, as was the chicken tikka masala. The paneer was okay, as were the chickpeas. The tandoori chicken was pretty good, too, as was the naan. We got there 30 minutes before the buffet ended and everything was still hot and plentiful. I'm not a huge fan of regular iceberg lettuce salad, which they serve with ranch dressing... I guess you can't win em all. The mango pudding was a good ending to a carb heavy meal. The service was friendly. I have been a long time fan of Woodlands on S OBT and go for the vegetarian lunch buffet whenever I get the hankering for Indian food. Not knowing my way around Indian food *that* well, it is certainly nice to have different options. I do prefer the vegetarian buffet because I try to limit my meat intake, but Gateway to India is closer to my neck of the woods and I will definitely be back to sample more of their menu and to take advantage of the buffet. One note about the restaurant is that the GPS on my phone told me to go to 790 West 434 and I guess it is actually located at 790 E 434. I was lost for a bit before calling them and getting that cleared up. It's not that much farther down than the W 790 address [oh, Longwood....]
(4)Yvonne C.
Great food! Went with my parents and they both liked it too. We had samosas, which were delicious but a bit on the greasy side (still delicious though). I ordered the veggie korma, probably my new favorite indian dish. I normally order the malai kofta but decided to try something new and so happy I did. We ordered cheese naan, yummmm! Definitely will go back and try the buffet soon. Server was extremely friendly but we had to ask for drink refills on 2 occasions. Aside from that, great experience and will be back.
(4)Chris R.
this place has lunch buffet on Friday, Saturday Sunday. It was decent, the chicken tikka masala was the best thing on the buffett but it was missing something. I like my flavors strong and sweet, so they didn't quite satisfy. It's clean and nice and the staff is friendly. $10. When driving west it's tricky to get in the parking lot, so just go down and make a U-turn to get into it. If you pull into the bank there is a tiny dirt section between then lots that only smaller cars can fit through and you aren't really supposed to use it.
(3)B B.
We love Indian food and Gateway to India never disappoints us! Just thinking about it makes me hungry. I love the Tikka Masala and my husband loves Lamb Vindaloo and papadams. I always get the onion kulcha...with corriander chutney....writing this makes my mouth water! Great buffet too! Try it you will love it!
(5)Dave W.
We popped in on a whim with friends, at 9pm on a Saturday. There was literally nobody there, except us, a cook, and a waitress. We bravely said, "We're here... Let's just go for it". Within an hour, four other Indian families joined us in the restaurant. Perhaps we just hit the slow spot between the early and late dinner hour. I was pleased to find Biryani on the menu. I ordered it vegetarian, hoping to duplicate this delicious dish that I enjoyed many times in Hyderabad, India. Let me tell you, it was exactly authentic, bringing my taste buds back to the exact experience when I first tried this flavorful, savory, spicy rice dish. Gateway to India makes it perfectly. We also had chili naan which was out of this world with salt, spice, and chili bombs all on fresh naan. My tongue was numb for 5 minutes and my body temperature went up five degrees with this side dish. Wow! Impressive! I you want truly authentic Indian food, do not hesitate. Order it regular and it will be just as it is 10,000 miles away. Order it hot and you can take the experience to a whole new level!
(4)John G.
I've come here for the lunch buffet a few times. It's excellent. Wish it was a little spicier. (I'm looking at you chicken tikka masala!) They must leave it mild for the masses. I asked for something to make it spicer one time and brought me some fiery jalapenos but they were raw and it gave me the heat but not the spicy curry flavor of Indian cuisine I so desire. I'm sure if I ordered a dish and not the buffet they would make it how I liked. The food is very, very good. Fresh, quality ingredients used. Limited buffet items and all done very well. Much preferred to 20+ mediocre items. Staff is friendly and accommodating.
(4)Mohan K.
I ordered goat biriyani.. I must say it was not authentic and tasted like some masala rice. However service was excellent.
(2)Tdc C.
Last Sunday of the month they have a dinner buffet. There were lots of options on the buffet. The owners are present and make you feel welcome. Service was great. Lots of vegetarian selections.
(5)Patrick G.
Great food!
(4)Bernard S.
Went during the lunch buffet. Small ass selection of food. Waiter had a fake ass accent. Food was good though and it was fresh. Will go back again.
(3)Trina H.
Wow. I've been searching Orlando for a place to get great Indian food, and I'm happy to report - I've found it! We arrived for dinner last night and found Gateway to India to be charming, clean, and NOT in a seedy strip mall. The samosas were flavorful - the best I've had - and the chutneys were freshly prepared. I had the chicken tikka masala and black lentil dish, both were excellently spiced with balanced flavors. The garlic naan wasn't the best I've had, but next time, I'll try a different flavor. Oh, and the mango lassi? Yummy, thick and tasty delicious! Two thumbs way up. PS - They have coupons on their website, and a tasty buffet we'll definitely try on our next visit. Enjoy!
(5)No Longer Yelping B.
I have to say I love this place. The staff is always friendly, the food is consistently good and the restaurant is always clean. I go on the weekends when between 11:30am and 3:00pm they have a lunch buffet for about $10. They always have the usual suspects- chicken tikka masala, tandoori chicken, a mighty fine curried goat, dal, veggie korma, naan bread and so on. They often rotate dishes during your meal too, so you get to try a bunch of different things and end it all with either a yummy cardamom rice pudding with raisins or a mango pudding. Try the mago lassi for sure, it's DElicious! It's definitely one of my favorite hangover buffets and it cures what ails ya. Bring your friends too, they'll accommodate any size party.
(4)Kathy D.
This is a great indian restaurant. A little slow at lunch when we went, but the food is amazing! They offer buffets on friday and weekends.
(4)Nikita B.
I don't live anywhere near this place, but it is worth the drive for me. I was a little worried on my first visit since we were the only souls in there, but in the end, that just made it feel even more quaint. The staff has always made me feel like Im dining in their home and the food is awesome, in fact, I will go so far as to say its probably my favorite Indian in Orlando. Wish I had something more cohesive to say about the food, but i always just order something random here without really reading what it is so that I try new things without ingredient bias. I've only been for dinner, but reading the other reviews makes me want to make a point to be in Longwood for lunch time
(4)Robert U.
They have an incredible lunch buffet on the weekend. (I have never eaten there during the week since I work on the other side of town). Nice location- not squeezed into a strip or anything. A good sampling of 10 different types of food, plus some salad, and some dessert. I always like their fresh ingredients, and polite service and at 10 bucks well worth it. Their Naan bread is awesome- make sure you ask for the chutney!!
(5)Meg P.
They do not honor Yelp Deal coupons!!! Terrible customer service. I bought a Yelp Deal after reading all the reviews for this place. So I went there for their lunch buffet. When it came time to pay .. they said .. the deal was not valid for lunch buffets. NOWHERE on the certficate or the rules/restrictions does it say its not valid for lunch buffets. When we tried to plead our case, they simply said it's not their problem. So I ended up paying the full amount for my check & i'm also out the amount of the coupon. This wouldn't be an issue if the food was decent. I'm an indian and have been to dozens of Indian restaurants in the Orlando area. Their food lacked flavor. For the chana masala ... I could taste the canned tomato sauce & the tandoori chicken was very dry .. not what I would expect from a restaurant. The samosas we got were good, but everything else was less than medicore. Will not be going back!
(1)Elizabeth L.
I looooove this place!! We drive quite a ways to get here & the weekend lunch buffet is sooo worth it everytime! Their Naan bread and Chutney are amazing.
(5)Brad F.
Not as good as I've had there before.
(3)Mike T.
Wish I could eat here everyday.. sometimes I do. Great people, phenomenal food, good prices. Their chicken tikka masala is the best I've had anywhere.
(5)Joe D.
I call this Place Indian Food Friday's, 'cause my office loves to go there for the buffet on Friday. The star performer is the Chicken Tikka Masala by a landslide. Great, friendly service. $10 for the buffet.
(4)Annette G.
Driving all the way out to Longwood for dinner isn't something I look forward to, unless I know I'm going for Indian food. Last night I tried Gateway to India on a suggestion and it knocked my socks off. The flavors were bold, the spices were hot, and the service was really good. I had the vegetable mahkani, and sampled the mutter paneer and channa masala. All were delicious, but I liked mine best. They do serve meat dishes as well. My friend ordered the chicken vindaloo Indian Hot, and while it was spicy, the waiter admitted to saying he told the kitchen to make it regular hot. They get people in that say they want it Indian Hot and then don't eat it or send it back. So, if you really want it hot, you have to really press it. That, or go a few times, and they'll get to know you and serve it 'super, extra, spicy, hot... 10 times hotter than your dish'. OH! And for the people that like things freakishly hot (Suzanne, I'm talking to you!) order the "bullet Naan". It is naan with chili's baked in, and served on top with garlic and sesame seeds. HOLY CRAP. That was good. For dessert I had the rasmulah, a milky custard like dish, that had a lime taste. It was delish. For the lucky people out in Longwood for lunch, they offer a lunch buffet, as most Indian places do. I doubt I'll be able to make it out there for it, but I'll definitely be returning for dinner.
(4)Max V.
I really want to like this place, especially after reading the other reviews. Living in Maitland, the options for good Indian food nearby are very limited. I've only eaten here once, for dinner. The hostess was very warm and inviting, and the restaurant has a cozy, low key kind of a feel. I'd say the menu is on the pricey side for the kind of place this is. On to the food. The vegetable samosas were so dry, I couldn't finish one. The vegetable filling was semi desiccated, leading me to believe that these were: a. frozen, and b. way too old to serve. Definitely a miss. The Chicken Tikka Masala was fine, but definitely lacking in the spice department. We ordered our meal 'medium' and it was very mild/bland. I'm not saying I wouldn't try Gateway again, but not for dinner.
(2)Patti W.
This is definitely my favorite Indian restaurant. The food is always prepared perfectly. They even adjust the spice in each dish for our liking. I like mine very mild and my husband likes his very spicy. They are able to accommodate both of us perfectly (which is quite rare)! If great food isn't enough, the service is just as excellent! This is one of our favorite date night spots. Great food, beer, service and some Bollywood videos for entertainment!!!
(5)Mike K.
Very good
(4)Laura S.
Maybe they've gotten better? I went there with my husband a few months ago, and whoa, this was terrible Indian. Worst I've ever had, including those frozen Indian meals. The customer service was awful, first of all. The server spilled a HUGE bottle of beer all over me. Literally. And we were visiting from out of the area at the time, so I had to spend the whole day smelling like beer. The owner came over with a smile, and offered to let me use the hair dryer in her office. ??? No apologies, no discounts (if this was a chain place, our entire meal would have been comped - yet we didn't get so much as our appetizer for free), nothing. I understand, accidents happen, but at least make it right. My veggie korma was disgusting. My husband described the taste perfectly - basically mushy canned vegetables soaking in coffee creamer. I could barely choke down a few bites. The samosas were good. The naan was alright, definitely had better. I'm pretty sure our server left halfway through our meal, because we ended up having to flag down the owner for our check, and I never got a refill on my drink. There is so much good Indian in Orlando, don't even bother trying this place.
(1)Lauren J.
Absolutely, the best Indian food I've had in the Orlando area. I was first taken here several years ago by an Indian friend and I've been going back ever since. The all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is great value for money, with none of that tired, reheated feeling so many lunch buffets have. Agree 100% with many other reviewers that their chicken tikka masala is the best anywhere (and that comparison includes many authentic Indian restaurants in the UK, which is as close as I've gotten to India). The only reason I knocked off a star is that the service is occasionally slow and I'm not that fond of the mango pudding that usually shows up as dessert on the buffet. Their rice pudding, however, is excellent. And if you're prepared to wait a bit longer for your hot drink, so is the chai masala (spiced tea with milk). PS- the lunch buffet selection is good but limited, and also geared to us gringos in terms of heat. So if you want a greater choice of dishes, or just something spicier, order off the regular menu (it's pricier but you can often get coupon deals from their web site), and TELL THEM if you want it really hot.
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